Decision Day In Cedar Falls

Voters are going to the polls today to decide the fate of a nearly $70 million bond referendum that would be used finance construction of a proposed new high school on about 50-acres of land west of the UNI-Dome. The new structure would have space to accommodate 1,400 students. It would replace the current building, which has been in use since 1954.

Sixty-percent voter approval is required for the measure to pass.

This is the second time the Cedar Falls High School issue has been on the ballot. In September 2015, voters turned down a massive $118 million referendum that would have generated enough money to build the facility, a new elementary school and pay for improvements at two existing elementary buildings. Voters later approved a smaller bond referendum that addressed the district's elementary needs.

The referendum isn't the only issue being decided today. When they go to the polls, they will also be asked to fill an empty school board seat.

Alan Heisterkamp is the only person running to fill the at-large seat vacated by Eric Giddens, who resigned from the board in March following his election to the Iowa Senate. Heisterkamp is director of the University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Violence Prevention.

Former Cedar Falls school board member Susan Lantz was appointed to replace Giddens in April, but she did not file papers to run in today's election.

Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM at each of the five voting sites in Cedar Falls.